After ringing in the New Year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on 2014 and identify areas in your life that you would like to improve in 2015. Making resolutions can be done without much thought and often times wind up being forgotten about or abandoned come February. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes we have seen people make when it comes to New Year’s resolutions and how to correct them.

1. Being too focused on the scale.

When it comes to weight loss resolutions, your weight in pounds or kilos is only one measurement when it comes to your body’s health. Many of us get too caught up on a number versus our body’s composition. A body can change drastically, both internally and externally without a big change in weight. Reducing your body fat percentage is more important than just losing weight. Excess fat cells promote estrogen production and increase inflammation in the body, both unhealthy characteristics. You can purchase a body fat % reader and set your goal to reduce your body fat in 2015 and increase your lean muscle mass. Add strength training to your fitness program for the New Year. You can always get help from a personal trainer if it’s new to you.

2. Setting unrealistic goals.

Many of us think that we can accomplish too much too fast and wind up feeling deflated when it doesn’t happen. Although it’s great to push yourself, you want to push yourself in a sustainable way. Plan for steady growth throughout the year rather than trying to get it all done in January.

3. Planning forward.

Remember when you are setting your resolutions that there are 11 more months to plan for besides January! Many people will plan a detox or an intense fitness program for the first 30 days of the New Year and quit come February. We recommend starting your planning from December 31st, 2015 and working backwards. What are the things you’d like to accomplish a year from now and then plan certain milestones for those goals in the 3rd quarter, 2nd quarter and lastly, the first quarter of the New Year.

4. Forgetting about feelings.

Many of us feel pressured to attain a certain physical result like 6 pack abs or a tighter butt. Remember that there are other ways to improve your health that are just as or even more important. Try on a resolution like sleeping better and longer hours or being happier. Emotional health is often forgotten in our resolutions. Smiling more, giving more compliments or sticking up for others can be great action steps to set for the New Year that will definitely leave you a happier person come December.

5. Setting goals based on others’ expectations.

So your parents want you to apply to med school? Or someone else thinks it would be a good idea that you lose weight? Always ensure that whatever goal you are setting for yourself is made by you. You have to be the one to invest your time and energy and committed to accomplishing it.

A special thanks to our partners, Jennifer Cassetta and Lindsey Smith! Check in with SABRE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and G+ over the next couple of weeks for more New Year's Resolution insights.